Talk at the Library: When Diplomacy Is Stuck at the High Level, What Takes Its Place?
VIEW EVENT DETAILSA Look Behind the Not So Closed Doors of Private Diplomacy
When we think of diplomacy, we think of a grand scenery: Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un signing or not signing a document, or Xi Jingping inviting heads of state to his Belt and Road Forum. These high-level talks, often called ‘track 1’ diplomacy, aim for official treaties and agreements. But that’s not the only way to help resolve and prevent conflict. Informal channels help build bridges and keem communications open when high level talks are stuck. Interacting on more informal levels allows professionals from academia, NGOs, or religious leaders to feel the ground for conflict resolution.
Who can governments send to negotiate with terrorists? What influence do private diplomatic organization have on peace processes? How big is the field of private diplomacy? And what part will it play in the current decoupling of the U.S. and China?
Join us for this Talk at the Library with writer, journalist and private diplomat Michael Vatikiotis for a look into diplomacy off-site of the many cameras and overly staffed summits.
Program:
11:50 – Doors open
12:00 – Conversation with Michael Vatikiotis
12:30 – Q&A
13:30 – End of Event
Participation at our office is limited to 20 people. Contact details of all participants are collected during registration to allow contact tracing. Participants are advised to keep a distance of 1.5 meters whenever possible or to wear a face mask. Face masks will be available on site. If you have any symptoms, we kindly ask you to stay at home. Asia Society members can also watch the live event on Zoom.
This event is for Asia Society Members only. How to become a member?
Attendance is free. In order to avoid no-shows, a CHF 50 no-show fee will be charged if you do not cancel your registration for the live event at our office until 24 hours before the event the latest.
Michael Vatikiotis is a writer, journalist and private diplomat, currently serving as the Asia Regional Director of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, a Geneva-based private foundation that facilitates dialogue to resolve armed conflicts, and a member of the International Council of the Asia Society. Formerly, he was editor of the Far Eastern Economic Review and a correspondent for the Hong Kong-based news magazine for 16 years and still writes opinion pieces for international and regional newspapers and is a regular contributor to Al Jazeera and the BBC. He is the author of two novels set in Indonesia, his latest book Blood and Silk: Power and Conflict in Modern Southeast Asia was published in June 2017. Michael Vatikiotis has been working in Southeast Asia since 1987 and currently lives in Singapore.
Event Details
Asia Society Switzerland
Mühlebachstrasse 20
8008 Zurich
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